Question:
Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
I'd truly appreciate your input on what laptop would be my best option for the price.
Budget = $1,000-1,100 max (if possible)
Notebook Size = Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
Tasks = Primarily for College business courses in my Accounting/Managerial field, in addition to home use on the internet and other minor finance/word processing.
I will take the notebook with me to class on occasion, and to the cottage when work must be done, but fun must also. Otherwise, from room to room in the house.
Games = Not much of a gamer, not really at all. I'd play some sports games, but that would be about it.
Preferred Brands = Not really. I'd prefer good customer service, even though I do have some local people who can assist me with some tech problems.
Battery Life = As much as possible, just like everyone else wants. I'd say a minimum of 3-4hrs at a time would be needed (4 hr classes).
Purchasing online without seeing/testing? = I could live with that. As long as I received enough information/feedback on the given unit, and their customer service/price was good.
Country of Purchase = US
Screen Specifics = Widescreen, undecided on screen finish, WSXGA+ - 1680x1050 or WXGA+ - 1440x900
Build Quality and Design = As for looks, no boat anchors, and I'd like it to last four years or more. I'm not a huge tech guy, so I'm not going to need the newest the market has to offer all the time (needing to upgrade that is).
Notebook Components
Hard Drive = 60GB to 80GB (Primarily pictures, some music, basic files and internet use)
Plan on listening to music and video, so I assume either DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive would suffice? You tell me.
I currently only have a PC at work, so this pc will be used at home by both my wife and I. She'll use it mainly for the internet, and I'll use it for my college work and the internet. I like to listen to music and play around with pictures a little, but the notebook really needs to be a basic workhorse. Not being a techno weenie, I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. I don't plan on needing the latest and greatest technology every year, so I'd like to get a good notebook now that will fill our needs for at least four years or more.
Based upon reading this site, I've been leaning towards a Dell E1505, but could use help configuring a decent unit, a Dell or whateve is my best option. I look forward to your advice and suggestions. This site has a wealth of knowledge, so I'm certain I'll be making the right decision in the future.
Take Care.
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
Well e1505 sounds good especially if you want to have any chance of playing games for your budget.
Config with something like this:
1.83ghz Core Duo (T2400)
1GB - (minimum) 667mhz ram (if they have 667mhz if not 533mhz)
DVD-RW (if you want to burn dvds and CDs) or DVD/CD-RW (watch dvds only and burn CDs)
1280X800 resolution screen (i don't think they offer anything higher)
ATI x1400 video card or the Nvidia card (get Intels card if you aren't going to game. saves a little battery)
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
The only gaming would be probably golf or football games. I'm an old school video game guy, extremely low tech. Not pong level, but not the new stuff.
Your config sounds about what I was looking at, but one config I had was base price $1,926, eek! I have to cut a little fat even with 30% off to get down to the 1G level.
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
HP dv5000 or nx7400 and Lenovo n100 are a couple more options. Given your budget, I think only on the Dell will have the option for a high resolution screen.
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
Hey night crew, what do you think? Maybe a similar priced HP? Back tomorrow morning. Later.
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
Personally, I would suggest to get a laptop with a 10 numeric key pad, but I don't think there is a laptop that would fit within in your budget. I just graduated from college with an Accounting degree, and I always wished I had a 10 key pad on my laptop. There are alternatives if you get a laptop without a key pad. I used the Targus Wireless Calculator Keypad to substitute for the real thing.
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
After adding on virus protection software and at least a three year warranty, the builds I put together are in the $1,300 price range. Would any of you have a build with security/antivirus and three yr warranty (extended a yr with Mastercard purchase), that is in the $1,000-$1,100 range?
Also, I hear the home version of Windows XP blows, but is getting XP Pro overkill? Your input is greatly appreciated.
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
Bueller... Bueller?
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
I customized this one for you, under 1k.
Inspiron B130
29 IB130S1
Module Description Show Details
Inspiron B130 Intel® Celeron® M Processor 380 (1.60 GHz/400MHz FSB/1M L2 Cache)
Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
LCD Panel 14.1in WXGA Display
Memory 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 2 Dimm
Video Card Integrated Intel® Media Accelerator 900 Graphics
Hard Drive 80GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
Integrated Modem and NIC Internal 56K Modem and Integrated Network Card
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Wireless Networking Card Dell® 1470 Internal Wireless (802.11a/b/g, 54Mbps)
Office Software (not included in Windows XP) No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) McAfee Security Center with VirusScan, Firewall, Spyware Removal, 15-months
Primary Battery 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (56 WHr)
Hardware Warranty SAVE $50 (after rebate) 4Yr Ltd Warranty, At-Home Svc, and HW Warranty Supt
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months America Online Internet Access Included
Miscellaneous Award Winning Service, Support
Free SKIN Promotion 14 - Free Promotion for 14 inch Skin
Operating System Re-Installation CD PC Restore recovery system by Symantec
Dell Digital Entertainment Starter Entertainment Pack - Basic digital Music, Photo and Game experience
TOTAL:$960.30
http://ecomm.dell.com/dellstore/bask...&details=false
You can upgrade even more stuff with the student rebates and all the coupons.
Answer:
Re: Back to College 4 Acctg, which laptop?
Another one for $1100
Latitude D520 - Celeron
$1,294
From $1,294
Now from
$1,104
Latitude D520 - Celeron
Celeron™ M 420 (1.60GHz) 533Mhz Single Core, Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2, with media
Unit Price: $1,294
- $190
SYSTEM OPTIONS
Latitude D520 - Celeron
Celeron™ M 420 (1.60GHz) 533Mhz Single Core
Operating Systems
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2, with media
LCDs
15 inch XGA LCD Panel
Memory
1.0GB, DDR2-533 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
Hard Drives
80GB Hard Drive, 9.5MM, 5400RPM
Module Bay Devices
24X CD-RW/DVD w/ Cyberlink PowerDVD™
Batteries
6 Cell Primary Battery
AC Adapter
65W A/C Adapter
Wireless LAN (802.11)
Dell Wireless™ 1390 802.11g Mini Card
Hardware Support Service
3 Year On-site Economy Plan